The Use of the Word "Mate"...
07 June 2005, 07:19 PM
#1
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The Use of the Word "Mate"...
(Flame suit on)
Why do people refer to someone as their "mate" when they don't know them / have never even met them
Is it just me that thinks its not very proffesional (in terms of business) to refer to someone this way
Should someone you hold a lot of respect for be referred to as a "mate" in general conversation
(Flame suit off)
Your thoughts please ?
Why do people refer to someone as their "mate" when they don't know them / have never even met them
Is it just me that thinks its not very proffesional (in terms of business) to refer to someone this way
Should someone you hold a lot of respect for be referred to as a "mate" in general conversation
(Flame suit off)
Your thoughts please ?
07 June 2005, 07:32 PM
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Doesn't bother me in the slightest. It's far nicer than some things I could be called 
Anyway, it's hardly threatening is it? I agree it could sound unprofessional in certain circumstances but I wouldn't take offence if the guy in the petrol station said "Cheers mate," as I was leaving. Up here in Leeds it's less prolific than it was in Hampshire but then getting called 'duck', 'lovey' or 'my old ****' is hardly the sharp end of professionalism either
Anyway, it's hardly threatening is it? I agree it could sound unprofessional in certain circumstances but I wouldn't take offence if the guy in the petrol station said "Cheers mate," as I was leaving. Up here in Leeds it's less prolific than it was in Hampshire but then getting called 'duck', 'lovey' or 'my old ****' is hardly the sharp end of professionalism either
07 June 2005, 07:33 PM
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It depends who its coming from. If its from some nobwipe trying to flog you something then it's annoying. Anybody else, say someone that bumped into you in the pub..."sorry mate"...then its no big deal really. Anyone that knows you or you know them...I suppose its a term of endearment.
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07 June 2005, 11:13 PM
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Nothing wrong with it. I agree about in a professional environment but in general use it's fine. In the gym I call everybody mate. "hi mate, have you finshed with those weights?"
08 June 2005, 08:07 AM
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A mate of mine always said you should never call someone who isnt a mate a mate... Thats something they have to earn.
Until that time they are called 'fella', 'lad' etc and where I live lads call lads '****' which is kinda weird
...Or in work 'sir' or 'yabollocks' 
.
I think its funny when folk are about to scrap and they're shouting 'come on then mate'
Until that time they are called 'fella', 'lad' etc and where I live lads call lads '****' which is kinda weird
...Or in work 'sir' or 'yabollocks' .I think its funny when folk are about to scrap and they're shouting 'come on then mate'
08 June 2005, 08:30 AM
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I know where you're coming from Boss!
In moderation and in some of the contexts mentioned above I think it's acceptable. Someone you hardly know calling you "mate" every other sentence is aggravating though.
Only surpassed by someone calling you boss when there is no hierarchical connection with them whatsoever. Fools!!
In moderation and in some of the contexts mentioned above I think it's acceptable. Someone you hardly know calling you "mate" every other sentence is aggravating though.
Only surpassed by someone calling you boss when there is no hierarchical connection with them whatsoever. Fools!!
08 June 2005, 08:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Terzo 333
(Flame suit on)
Why do people refer to someone as their "mate" when they don't know them / have never even met them
Is it just me that thinks its not very proffesional (in terms of business) to refer to someone this way
Should someone you hold a lot of respect for be referred to as a "mate" in general conversation
(Flame suit off)
Your thoughts please ?
Why do people refer to someone as their "mate" when they don't know them / have never even met them
Is it just me that thinks its not very proffesional (in terms of business) to refer to someone this way
Should someone you hold a lot of respect for be referred to as a "mate" in general conversation
(Flame suit off)
Your thoughts please ?
08 June 2005, 09:02 AM
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About 20 years ago in London, I heard this conversation between a barman and a punter:
(Barman, giving change): "Cheers mate"
(Surly punter): "I'm not your mate"
(Barman): "Alright then .... cheers, ****"
(Barman, giving change): "Cheers mate"
(Surly punter): "I'm not your mate"
(Barman): "Alright then .... cheers, ****"
08 June 2005, 09:10 AM
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Mate, luv etc. always cracks me up when I'm in England and get called that by barstaff etc. that I have never met before and probably will never meet again. Mind you, I'd much rather have it that way then as it is here in Germany where you can have a neighbour or business aquantance for twenty years and still not be on first name terms with because it would be considered rude unless it were officially offered.
08 June 2005, 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Leslie
I remember "duck" Yve. Down here in deepest Devon you become"my lover"
Les
Les
"moi lover"
"moi dorling"
"babber"
08 June 2005, 12:25 PM
#27
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I use the term "mate", to describe my drinking buddies - casual acquaintances that I know. Nothing more.
What does wind me up when the term is often confused with "Friend". This latter term I would only attribute to good friends - people who would be there for me, no matter what (etc)
Mates are just casual company. That's it.
Dan
What does wind me up when the term is often confused with "Friend". This latter term I would only attribute to good friends - people who would be there for me, no matter what (etc)
Mates are just casual company. That's it.
Dan
08 June 2005, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 330uk
The worst is when women call you mate. I hate women who use the word mate
They may as well be saying "You will certainly not get to have sex with me!"